IIUM centre a boon to women

The Star KUANTAN: Since its official opening some two years ago, the Inter-national Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) breast centre here has treated 1,803 patients.
The centre’s assistant nurse Low Bon Hau said there were 397 patients who came to seek assistance after the centre started operations in April 2004, the following year recorded an impressive 908 patients and up to July this year, the centre already have 498 patients.
Low, who is also in charge of public relations and awareness programmes, said in an interview that the centre could attend to about 20 patients a day.
She said women from all walks of life came to the centre to have their breasts examined as a precautionary measure against cancer.
“There is an increase in general awareness among the people on the importance of periodical checks.
“The numerous health campaigns held throughout Pahang and parts of Terengganu contributed to the good response,” she said.
Low said in addition, health talks were conducted in rural areas including Felda land schemes as well as urban areas from time to time.
“We also received good support from non-governmental organisations,” she said, citing an example where one such NGO brought in 250 women from Machang, Terengganu to undergo breast examination last year.
Low said as part of their work, they had gone to villages to inform the women folks on the need to go for regular check-up, especially those above 35, whose risk of getting the disease was higher.
“These groups will only be required to pay RM30 under the subsidised mammogram programme,” she said, adding that the balance would be borne by College of Radiology, Academy of Medicine Malaysia.
She said the centre also offered discounts during promotional period in conjunction with celebrations such as Mother’s Day, Teachers Day, Nurses Day and Secretary’s Day.
The centre, in Jalan Hospital here, is the only dedicated breast imaging centre in the east coast that offers mammography and ultrasound scanning.